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Here at Together Families, we connect Early Childhood Educators, Teachers and Parents. We encourage the sharing of ideas, knowledge and experiences to help build stronger and healthier children and families.

Apr 12

Apr 12 Kids' Sun Safety

Most parents know that children under the age of 6 months should be kept out of the sun. So what do you do when your child is over that age, but still extremely sensitive? It isn’t worth taking any risks but you can’t keep your child indoors all the time. Here are some tips on how to stay sun safe for kids who are too young to protect themselves.

Keep hydrated. This seems obvious but don’t forget that adults and older kids have the ability to ask for things and notify us when they’re thirsty. If your little one is refusing water, you can tempt them with coconut water (with no added sugar).

Buy some removable mesh shields for the car windows. UV rays can penetrate glass so this will keep them safe in the car and also increase the possibility of a mid-day nap.

Choose a hat with a wide brim that goes all the way around. Baseball style caps are great for protecting the face, but they leave the neck and ears vulnerable.

Lightweight clothing that covers the child’s arms and legs is a great way to prevent a sunburn, but don’t forget you still need to apply sunscreen underneath the clothes.

Opt for a sunscreen that’s at least SPF30. Don’t forget to cover little areas like the ears, scalp, hands, and eyelids. You can get tear-free sunscreens that won’t sting. Don’t forget to re apply after exposure to water.

The sun is strongest between 11am and 4pm so be sure to seek shade during these hours.

Don’t forget sunglasses! There are some great wrap-around pairs for kids that won’t slide off and get lost, or result in a poked eye.